Electrification

Electrification Safety & Compliance

Safety and compliance is of paramount importance with any electrical work. In the process of Electrification, the electrical systems in your home or business may need to be adjusted. We are here to help you approach the changes of Electrification in a strategic way, working towards a safe, compliant and integrated solution.

Compliant Solar Installations

Solar collection is the key to Electrification

Electrification is based on the premise of using clean, renewable power. Solar is a great way to achieve this. Introducing a solar array into your home requires and experienced, capable team who are licensed and prepared to undertake the tasks associated with a solar project. Contact us to learn more about solar solutions. We provide a free consultation and quote, working with you to design a solar solution optimised for your energy needs.

Electrical Updates

In addition to updating the supply of energy to your home or business with a solar solution, there are a number of other changes that might be made in order to optimise the way you use energy. Talk to our team for assistance with a safe and compliant approach to Electrification including EV charging installations, cooktop updates, switchboard updates, rewiring, air-conditioner installations and servicing, hot water system upgrades, LED upgrades, or any other tasks or services.

Learn More About Safety & Compliance

Discuss your electrical safety and compliance with our team today:

Learn More

Achieving Energy Independence

To be ‘energy independent’ refers to the situation whereby a home is no longer reliant on an external power source, such as a power company, for its electricity. An energy independent home produces, stores and consumes its own energy, creating a variety of benefits for home owners as well as the wider community.

In this article we take a look at energy independence for homes in Australia; what it is, where it has come from, and how to approach and achieve it.

Energy Independence Essentials

To become completely ‘energy independent’, a home requires an independent supply of power (such as solar power) and a means to store collected electricity (a battery).

Energy Independence Vs Electrification

Energy Independence and Electrification are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are different terms. Electrification refers to the process of using electrical appliances, machines and transportation that are powered by clean, renewable energy.

Energy independence, meanwhile, means not having to rely on anyone for energy, because you can collect and store your own. Energy independence is a state, whereas electrification is a process. These terms are often used together, because Energy Independence and Electrification overlap in many ways.

Energy Independence Technology

The technology used to create energy independence is evolving at a rapid pace, making it increasingly more accessible, more efficient and safer for everyday homeowners. This technology includes solar cells and inverters, energy management hardware and software, battery storage, EVs and EV charging capability. The advances of this technology are driven by parallel technology research and development, particularly in electric vehicle design.

Benefits of Energy Independence

Energy independence has benefits for the home as well as the wider community:

Benefits for the Home

No longer reliant on fossil-fuelled power
Free from energy price swings
Detailed awareness of carbon footprint
Cleaner internal air (no gas / combustion)

Benefits for the Community

The ability of Australia to achieve its goals of net zero emissions requires an ever-increasing uptake of Electrification and Energy Independence in coming years. Without having to rely on fossil-fuelled power for energy needs, energy-independent homes (and businesses) will help contribute to less emissions and a reduced carbon footprint.

Learn More About Energy Independence

If you’re interested in learning more about energy independence, please contact our team. We service Noosa and surrounding suburbs.

Discuss Energy Independence for Your Home or Business

Approaching Solar Energy

Foundational to the Electrification and Energy Independence journey is the ability to generate energy within your home. In Queensland and particularly on the Sunshine Coast we have some of the best solar production conditions in the world. In this article, we take a look at some of the important considerations when investing in solar: rebates, array size, array adaptability, and solar safety.

Solar Rebates

The government offers incentives for solar in the way of rebates which are cost reductions. These rebates reduce each year, towards the goal of concluding in 2031. Therefore, the sooner you opt into solar, the greater the amount of the rebate you will receive. Rebates depend on variables which we calculate for you at the time of purchase, and are automatically factored into your solar pricing.

Solar Power Creates Clean, Renewable Energy

Solar Solutions: Brands

Solar components are made by different companies around the world. Like all electrical products, some are made better than others – and when you’re collecting and converting electricity on your rooftop, you don’t want to use the cheapest option! We only work with high-quality products and reputable brands, ensuring that your solar installation will be safe, efficient and long-lasting.

Array Size

One of the main considerations with a new solar system is the calculation of the array size. How much energy do you need to collect in order to meet your energy requirements? We make this easier for you by reviewing your historical energy needs, and assessing your future energy objectives. This enables us to tailor your solar array to suit your home and lifestyle.

Emphase Microinverter Installation Noosaville

Post-Installation Adaptability

One way in which different solar systems can be compared is their post-installation adaptability. While many systems can not be easily modified after installation, some can. One such system is the Enphase system which is available as an option with Noosa Electric Co. This system enables post-installation adaptation, so additional panels can be added if your electrical needs change (for example, to support the addition of a new EV).

Customisation Assessment

Solar is customised to your home, and we believe a thorough process is the key to getting a great result. It goes beyond matching up the solar system to your energy needs – there are other considerations that should be taken into account at the time of installation. In addition to solar, our team is here to help you with battery storage (now, or in the future), energy management solutions, timers, and EV charging. While not everything may apply in every case, by assessing your needs thoroughly we can help ensure your solar solution is equipped to take you all the way into the future.

Single Inverter or Microinverters

Solar collection with Noosa Electric Co means choices. One of the main choices is whether you will opt for a single inverter or a Microinverter solution. Both avenues have different advantages. We can help you determine the best solar solution to suit your home. This is something we cover with you during our free consultation and quote.

Solar Safety

Safety should always be a primary consideration with electrical installations. With solar, safety can be optimised through the use of high-quality components, professional installers, adherence to best practices and uptake of new and safer technology. Noosa Electric Co has a reputation for safety, and we provide long-term support for all of our installations including solar. Talk to our team for a solar solution to suit your home or business today.

Battery Storage

In the case of an on-grid solar solution, the system draws energy from the power grid to meet your energy needs. With a battery in place, you have another option – using your own stored electricity. Batteries are an emerging solution. Whether your solution should include one will depend on your budget, home and energy objectives. Importantly, the capability of future battery compatibility should be determined at the time of installation – not all solar systems are battery-compatible.

How to Get Started

Solar installations require professional expertise. We are here to help. With 50+ years of service in the area, Noosa Electric Co are your local electrical specialists. We’re here to help with the assessment and consultation for your solar system, installation, and long-term support. If you’re like to learn more about solar, please contact our team.

Learn More About Solar

If you’re interested in learning more about a solar solution or getting a quote, please contact our team. We service Noosa and surrounding suburbs.

Discuss a Solar Solution for Your Home or Business

Reasons for Electrification

In this article, we examine the main reasons behind Electrification – a movement to change the way we collect and use energy. Electrification is driven by a variety of reasons. Today, we take a look at environmental concerns, energy independence, energy efficiency, technological innovation, economical benefits, and health benefits. Let’s check it out!

What is Electrification?

Electrification is the process of using clean, renewable electricity to power electrical appliances, machines and transportation. Electrification is a move away from fossil fuelled power sources. Read more about Electrification here.

Environmental Reasons

Australia has a goal to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. [SRC: dcceew.gov.au] The goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions comes from the relationship between greenhouse gases and global warming. [SRC: bom.gov.au]

Electrification Solutions: Local, National, Global

As greenhouse gases increase in the atmosphere, they have the effect of trapping heat which causes the earth to warm up. About 90 per cent of the world’s carbon emissions comes from the burning of fossil fuels – mainly for electricity, heat and transport. [SRC: csiro.au]

In the context of the environment, Electrification aims to replace fossil-fuelled energy with energy sourced from clean, renewable energy, towards the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the contribution that they make to global warming. This process is described at rewiringaustralia.org.

Energy Independence

Another important goal of Electrification is energy independence – becoming less reliant on the variables that bring electricity to your door: electrical providers, the global energy situation and energy price changes. As long as the sun is shining, with rooftop solar in place, a home can generate and (with a battery) store energy independently of changes that might otherwise affect power supply or pricing.

Energy Efficiency

Optimising energy use is another objective of Electrification. Towards this goal, Electrification involves processes of measuring and monitoring energy usage in order to determine the best way forward. Armed with this evidence, consumers can make small but significant improvements in the amount of energy they use and the associated costs for their energy. By minimising energy use and maximising outcomes, greater efficiency can be attained which on a large scale improves the overall energy usage footprint.

Technological Innovation

Energy collection and usage technology is undergoing a rapid evolution. While solar has been around for decades, new solar innovations are producing different and better ways of capturing and integrating solar energy into homes and businesses. Most importantly, prices are always improving, especially on technology such as batteries which are essential for an independent energy solution.

Economical Reasons

Energy is critical for all Australian households, and in the long term, there is always a strong imperative to utilise processes which make sense financially. Electrification involves initial investment and a changed approach, towards the goal of achieving better outcomes financially over the longer term.

Health Reasons

The health reasons for the Electrification switch are mainly in relation to atmospheric changes. There is the primary reason to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. There is also the matter of air quality. For example, with EVs replacing internal combustion engines on the roads, vehicle emissions will be reduced. Furthermore, by taking gas out of homes for cooking, health and emissions risks are reduced. [SRC: abc.net.au]

Why it Matters What We Do at Home

In our day-to-day lives, the non-renewable energy sources we use produce a large amount (42%) of Australian greenhouse gases. [SRC: Rewiring Australia ] These types of machines include: petrol cars, gas heaters, gas hot water and gas stoves, and fossil-fuel power plants supplying network electricity. The type of energy we use, and the machines we use, affect our carbon footprint. Converting these fossil-fuelled machines to electrical versions, and powering them from renewable energy sources is the primary goal of Electrification.

Learn more about how to make Electrification happen on this page.

More Information

Moving into the Future

The shift to a net-zero emissions future will require a large technological shift in Australia. We are here to support this shift with energy solutions for homes and businesses in and around Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Contact our team to discuss an Electrification solution for your home or business today.

Discuss Electrification

Heating and Cooling Solutions

Heating and cooling are an important part of living comfortably through the year. On The Sunshine Coast, we enjoy a mainly moderate climate. However, it does get quite cool in winter and our summers can be notoriously hot and humid. In this brief article, we look at heating and cooling through the lens of Electrification, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and Energy Efficient approach to heating and cooling at home.

Electrification

Electrification is the switch to use electrical appliances and transportation, powered by clean, renewable electricity. Electrification is a move away from fossil fuelled power sources.

Heating, Cooling & Electrification

Heating and cooling can be achieved via Electrification with the following steps:

Using a clean, renewable energy source (e.g. solar energy)
Using electrical appliances
Optimising usage to maximise the advantage of energy

Installation of AC on Noosa Electric Co. HQ Rooftop

Heating and Cooling Solutions

Heating and cooling can be electrically achieved by a reverse-cycle air-conditioner, powered by solar energy. With the ability to heat and cool built into a single unit, reverse-cycle air-conditioners enable internal temperature modulation utilising electricity. If the electricity is sourced from clean, renewable energy (such as solar energy) then heating and cooling is being achieved in an Electrified manner.

Learn More About Heating and Cooling

Our team can assist with all aspects of an electrified heating and cooling solution, including solar installations and reverse cycle air-conditioner sales, installation and maintenance. To learn more about heating and cooling on the Sunshine Coast, talk to our team.

Discuss Heating & Cooling

Cooking & Hot Water

The Electrification process involves two main stages: sourcing energy from a clean, renewable source (such as solar) and using it to power electrical appliances and machines. If you’re using gas-powered hot water or cooktops at home, in order to achieve Electrification these will need to be replaced with electrical versions. Our licensed and qualified electricians are here to help with this process.

It Starts with Solar

Regardless of the changes you are making at home towards Electrification, the first step is ensuring you are using energy from a clean, renewable source. Solar power is the best way to achieve that for Sunshine Coast households. Talk to our team to get a free consultation and quote for solar on your rooftop.

Switching Hot Water from Gas to Electric

The energy for hot water can come from a renewable source

Primarily, moving from gas to electric hot water is a move to a more energy efficient and sustainable model. Since the electrical versions do not require the consumption of fossil fuels for the production of energy, emissions are reduced; and utilising clean, renewable solar energy enables energy-efficient operation. However, there are also a variety of other advantages involved with switching to an electrical hot water system.

Electric models include heat pump and solar-powered models, offering greater energy savings and environmental benefits. They are easier to maintain, and less complex than gas versions. They are also more versatile in their placement. Furthermore, without a requirement to use gas, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is eliminated.

If you’d like to update your solar power solution, or update your old gas hot water system to electric, contact us for more information.

Switching Cooktop from Gas to Electric

Induction cooktop – more control & cleaner

Switching from a gas-powered cooktop to an electrical cooktop such as induction cooktop is a critical part of the Electrification journey. Again, the primary purpose is to move away from fossil-fuel energy sources and the carbon emissions that they create, towards electrical appliances which are powered by clean, renewable energy. There are also other benefits including energy efficiency – the electrical heat process is more efficient, involving less energy loss than gas cooking. Electric cooktops also offer more precise control in the cooking process than their gas counterparts. There is also a health consideration – by taking gas out of homes for cooking, health and emissions risks are reduced. [SRC: abc.net.au]